Thank you to all of our brave men and women who serve the United States of America in the Military.
I have written and deleted and written and deleted. It all sounds almost trite. The USA is in danger in spite of all of the efforts of our military. Our Government is killing us.
So today I not only say a prayer of thanks for our Veterans, but also a prayer for guidance for our leaders.
As I reflect this morning, I am reminded of a business trip I took to Washington many years ago. There was very little time for sight seeing. But on a very hot summer day we walked to the Vietnam Memorial. As we got closer, the impact took our breath away. The heat coming off the sidewalk rose up to meet the rows and rows of names in black. Mementos lined the base of the memorial. Flowers, boots, plaques, medals... I've never felt more proud and yet helpless in my life. Tears streamed down my face at the realization of how many lives were lost - and that was only one of many wars.
God Bless America.
11 comments:
I think the Vietnam Memorial is the most moving of them all - and felt much like you did when I visited it the first time - and all the times afterwards - its impact never lessens.
One could argue endlessly about that particular war and its "merits" - but it does seem to have been largely a misguided effort and a tragic waste of human lives and treasure. I think that adds to the poignancy of its stark reminder - those names aren't just "numbers" they were living breathing people that cut short in their "stories to tell" and "families to raise" - and the tragedy continues on for those families and friends that were left behind - forver maimed in spirit if not physically.
Their sacrifice is not in vain - if it awakened people to watch vigiliently their own government's lack of humanity - and unwillingness to try harder to work things out peacefully.
I am left to wonder how many of these war dead would be alive today - if our cowardly government officials had to lead from the front - with themselves in danger.
Great post, Deanna! I agree about our government. Our leaders definitely need our prayers as well as our military and veterans.
My hubby served in Vietnam. He was in that horrible battle on Hamburger Hill. The things he saw are unspeakable. I didn't know him until he came home from the service, but I was by his side while he was still fighting in his sleep for many years. He's never talked about it much, says he just did what he had to do. He was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and other commendation medals for his valor.
So many others I know served, too. His uncle was a prisoner of war in Korea for 3 years. He didn't like to talk about that, either.
So many lives were lost in wars, but those that came back were not unaffected by any means. That our government seems to thumb their noses at our military at times just gripes me no end...to put it mildly.
I didn't mean to write a book! Have a nice weekend!
I have often said that is it sad indeed that every generation has it's war. I so much did not want to see my daughters saying goodbye to their friends going to far away countries, to be put in harm's way.
When the shouting is all over in the great hall of Washington D.C., I wonder what has been learned. We were in D.C. in May of this year and walked all of those monuments dedicated to these wars (military actions- a rose is a rose, right?) It was said in the civil war that "war in an old man's game fought by young men", or something very near that.
God bless these families that carry this burden. And, God Bless these men and women for wanting to.
Deanna, well said!
Definitely prayers for our leaders! And thanks for our military, past, present, future.
I remember seeing the Wall years ago; I just remember the brevity of it all, so many, so young, yet you are right, that is just one of many wars. True peace I fear won't come this side of eternity.....
betty
Very nicely put, Punkn. Sometimes there are no words that can be said. I am hoping one day to get to DC so I can see all the memorials. I was fortunate not to have any relatives involved in Vietnam, but there are too many families that suffered and are still suffering for various reasons.
When will we ever learn?
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
And...yes...THE WICKED WIVES was AWESOME. I loved it.
I will post a review soon.
What a heartfelt tribute to all those wonderful men and women who sacrificed for our freedom.
Although our country is filled with despair and problems I still think we are a privileged nation.
I talk to our missionaries who see the other side of our world and we do have much to be grateful for.
God bless you sweetie and thank you for this wonderful tribute. :o)
Just thought I'd drop in and say hello - I hope you are doing okay.
Hugest hugs....
AMEN!!! Thank you for this post!
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